Zesty Citrus Herb Dipping Sauce

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking to add a burst of flavor to your dishes, this Zesty Citrus Herb Dipping Sauce is exactly what you need. With its vibrant citrus notes and a mix of fresh herbs, it’s perfect for elevating everything from veggies to grilled meats. It's a refreshingly versatile condiment you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Herb Dipping Sauce

Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing a rich texture that blends well with the other flavors. Sour cream adds a slight tanginess, balancing the richness of the mayo. Both lemon juice and lime juice infuse the sauce with a bright, zesty kick. A touch of orange zest adds a sweet citrus aroma that complements the tartness perfectly. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro deliver a fresh, vibrant element, while garlic offers a subtle, savory depth. A little bit of honey provides a hint of sweetness, and salt and black pepper season the sauce, enhancing all the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • For a more robust garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw.
  • Make it vegan by substituting the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

This dipping sauce pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, grilled shrimp, or chicken skewers. It's also fantastic as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. Try drizzling it over a salad for a tangy dressing or using it as a dip for crispy fries or chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to two days in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
It should stay fresh for about a week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for their vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, you can use dried. Just use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.

Zesty Citrus Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. Combine the mayonnaise and sour cream in the bowl, stirring them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Next, pour in the lemon juice and lime juice, and add the orange zest. Give it all a good stir so that the citrus elements are mixed evenly throughout.

Now, toss in the freshly chopped parsley and cilantro. Add the minced garlic as well. Stir everything together, making sure the herbs and garlic are distributed nicely in the sauce. Lastly, drizzle in the honey and sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the top. Give it one final mix, ensuring all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, fresh flavors that wake up your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy to make — takes just a few minutes to prepare.
  • Versatile enough to use with a variety of dishes.
  • Makes a great alternative to store-bought dressings and dips.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice, lime juice, and orange zest. Stir to combine.
3. Mix in chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.
4. Add honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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